Tag: japan

Mazda to lease EVs in Japan next year

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Mazda, Electric

2011 Mazda2

2011 Mazda2 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda is preparing a fleet of electric vehicles that will be available for lease in Japan. Based on the Demio/Mazda2, these EVs will utilize the automaker’s new SKYACTIV powertrain technology. Mazda is shooting for a 200-kilometer driving range (about 124 miles) and plans to begin the leasing program in the spring of 2012.

The target audience for the vehicle will be local government groups and fleet customers. Mazda’s ultimate goal of the program is to refine its knowledge of electric vehicles by collecting data on EV requirements and powertrain technology. For the full details, follow the jump for the automaker’s brief press release.

Gallery: 2011 Mazda2: Review

2011 Mazda22011 Mazda22011 Mazda22011 Mazda22011 Mazda2

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeff Glucker / AOL

[Source: Mazda]

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Mazda to lease EVs in Japan next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda so excited about winning Japan Car of the Year that CR-Z gets special edition

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z Japan Car of the Year Edition

The 2011 Honda CR-Z may not exactly be sailing to success here in the U.S., but it has managed to walk away with the coveted Japan Car of the Year title. In order to celebrate, Honda has decided to work up a new special edition version of its tiny sport hybrid. Only available in a special “Pearl Dipusafaiaburu” blue paint, the hatch makes use of unique 16-inch alloy wheels and premium metal pedal pads inside. If the color and the wheels don’t make this one easy enough to spot, Honda has also gone through the extra effort of placing a “Japan Car of the Year” commemorative sticker on the rear quarter glass behind the driver’s side door.

Otherwise, the Japan Car of the Year Edition CR-Z will remain completely stock. Neither fuel economy nor power has been upped in any way. Not surprisingly, it looks like this one will remain a Japanese-only offering. Still, if you like what you see, chances are you could recreate the special edition CR-Z without breaking a sweat – or your bank account for that matter.

[Source: Honda]

Honda so excited about winning Japan Car of the Year that CR-Z gets special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru WRX STI Spec C launched in Japan

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lighter, more responsive engine performance and increased stiffness – three descriptors that provide the basis of information regarding the all-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C. We supposed we could also throw in the longer name, but you can already see that. The Spec C, which is quite sadly a Japan-only model for the moment, receives a host of upgrades compared to the non-spec STI and that list includes; an aluminum hood, reduced-friction ball bearings for the twin-scroll turbo, optimized ECU programming, a mechanical LSD and a host of other features.

The STI Spec C is positioned as a more focused Impreza WRX for those seeking an even more engaging driving experience. Weight has been reduced all over the car, while the front crossmember has been reinforced and large 245-series Bridgestone Potenzas have been wrapped around all four wheels.

Take a look at the Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec in the gallery below but be warned that too much staring can lead to a sudden desire to move to Japan. Be sure to click past the jump and read the full press release as well. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec CSubaru Impreza WRX STI Spec CSubaru Impreza WRX STI Spec CSubaru Impreza WRX STI Spec CSubaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C

[Source: Subaru]

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Subaru WRX STI Spec C launched in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Translogic visits Japan’s Dream Factory Blow

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Japan, Videos

Translogic at Dream Factory Blow

Translogic at Dream Factory Blow – Click above to watch video after the jump

The Translogic crew is still bumming around Japan. For the show’s third episode in the island nation, host Bradley Hasemeyer heads to Sagamihara to tour Dream Factory Blow.

No, it’s not a cocaine supercenter. The customs shop specializes in laying unique fiber-reinforced polymer bodywork over the sheet metal of the lowly kei-car – the 660cc-engined machines that make up the lowest rung of the automotive food chain. Dream Factory Blow specializes in tweaking the aesthetics of the pint-sized cars to create miniature interpretations of classic American iron like a 1972 Chevrolet C10 pickup truck or a 1985 Chevrolet van.

But Dream Factory Blow isn’t just bolting on body panels. For that sweet little Chevy pickup, the fabricators started with a Suzuki Lapin, hacked off half of the rear body work and crafted an entire pickup bed. It’s too awesome for words. Of course, dismantling a substantial portion of a vehicle’s body structure does have an impact on frame stiffness, and to that end, Dream Factory Blow has to have its vehicles tested by the Japanese government for safety. Hit the jump to check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Translogic]

Continue reading Video: Translogic visits Japan’s Dream Factory Blow

Video: Translogic visits Japan’s Dream Factory Blow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Translogic in Japan, Part 2

Filed under: Motorsports, Japan, Videos

Click above to view the video after the jump

The last time we checked in with the Translogic crew, they took an in-depth look at Japan’s modding culture, with an emphasis on the odd, exotic and ill-advised. This week, Bradley gets schooled in the art of drifting with professional sideways slider Shino Murai. It’s a good novice primer on the sport in Japan and some of the in-car advice is both helpful and hilarious. Who knew the handbrake is like a woman? Hit the jump to find out what Murai means…

[Source: Translogic]

Continue reading Video: Translogic in Japan, Part 2

Video: Translogic in Japan, Part 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Toyota Prius has been Japan’s top-selling car for 18 straight months

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Toyota Prius has been the top-selling vehicle in its home market of Japan since its redesign in 2009 for the 2010 model year, due partly to a series of incentives created by the Japanese government to promote fuel efficient vehicles – more specifically, hybrids. Those incentives ended in September, leading many to wonder if Toyota’s hybrid hatchback could maintain its stranglehold atop the sales board.

Apparently, the answer is yes. According to data provided by the Japan Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Mini Vehicles Association, Toyota managed to sell 21,400 Prius hybrids in November, more than enough to earn the fuel-sipper the top sales spot over the second-place Honda Fit (16,677 units).

It seems that the end of hybrid vehicle subsidies did take something of a toll on Prius sales, however. Though still on top, sales of Toyota’s hybrid hatchback were down by just over 20 percent when compared to the same period one year ago, when the Japanese government’s incentives were in full effect. Still, Toyota’s green jellybean has enjoyed 18 months at the top and still has quite a few carlengths on the Fit, and that’s nothing to be sneezed at.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: The Mainichi Daily News]

PSA: Toyota Prius has been Japan’s top-selling car for 18 straight months originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Translogic goes to Japan, checks out its modding culture

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Japan, Videos, Motorcycle, Design/Style

Bradley with Kaido racers

Translogic goes to Japan! – Click above to watch video after the jump

Our in-company pals at Translogic decided it was time to add a new stamp to their passports. They gathered up their video equipment and hopped on a plane. Destination: Japan!

Bradley Hasemeyer and the Translogic team descended upon the Asian island nation to film a multi-part adventure, exploring different facets of the unique culture. First up on the agenda is the subject of modification. Hasemeyer kicks his trip off by checking out a group of folks who love tricking out their scooters. The mods add up quickly and the 250cc “Big Scooters” are fitted with everything from neon lighting to full air suspension setups.

Moving on from the new-school world of scooter modding, Translogic examines the more classic Kaido Racer scene. This very unique styling endeavor gets its inspiration from the old-school FIA Group 5 racing league that included such legendary cars as the Porsche 917, Ferrari 512 and the Ford GT40 Mk 1. Now, the Japanese have obviously taken serious liberties in their own four-wheeled homages, but the result is a style that is nothing if not distinct.

After scaling up from scooters to cars, Hasemeyer gets even bigger and shifts his focus to the van modding world. Starting with such a large canvas, the Japanese van culture goes absolutely crazy and transform their vans into creations that defy explanation. You’ll have to hop the jump and watch the video to see the owners explain their obsessions.

[Source: AOL Autos Translogic]

Continue reading Video: Translogic goes to Japan, checks out its modding culture

Video: Translogic goes to Japan, checks out its modding culture originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari importer offers limited edition California exclusive to Japan

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Japan, Ferrari

Ferrari California for Japan

Ferrari California Limited Edition by Cornes & Co. – Click above for image gallery

If you live in Japan and have the means, there are any number of enticing automobiles you can get domestically that aren’t available elsewhere. Most of them are from Japanese automakers, though. But last week, we reported on the BMW Z4 Silver Top edition, and now Ferrari has joined the race with an exclusive offering of its own.

This Ferrari California Limited Edition is being offered exclusively by Cornes & Co, Ferrari’s main importer in Japan for the past 30 years. Their latest limited edition starts with Maranello’s first front-engined V8 convertible and upgrades it with special touches like carbon fiber rocker panels, door handles and fuel cap, and unique diamond-polished forged rims with red hubs and titanium nuts.

Only ten examples will be offered in three pre-determined color schemes: four in white over black, three in red over black and three in black over cream. This exclusivity will cost you though: ￥26,500,000, to be precise – equivalent to about $320,000 U.S., or about ￥3 million ($36k) over the standard model.

Gallery: Ferrari California Limited Edition by Cornes & Co.

[Source: Cornes via JonSibal]

Ferrari importer offers limited edition California exclusive to Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda prices 2011 Fit Hybrid at $19,310; cheapest gas-electric in Japan

Honda Jazz Hybrid

European 2011 Honda Jazz Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite the fact that Honda has no plans – at least not yet – to export its 2011 Honda Fit (Jazz) Hybrid to the U.S., we’ve still kept a close eye on the automaker’s subcompact gas-electric. From the rumors that swirled around back in 2006 to its on-stage debut at the Paris Motor Show, we’ve never lost sight of the Fit Hybrid and its overall importance in the gas-electric segment. Now, as the vehicle launches in Japan, we’re pleased to note that Reuters is reporting that Honda has kept its promise and priced the Fit Hybrid at a mere 1.59 million yen ($19,310 U.S. at current exchanges rate). This makes it the cheapest gas-electric car available in Japan.

Honda reports that pre-orders in Japan for the bargain-priced hybrid have reached nearly 10,000 units. Toppling the nation’s best-seller, the Toyota Prius, though, will require even more consumer interest than that. Under Japanese testing methods, the Fit Hybrid receives a 70.6 mile-per-gallon fuel economy rating, equal to that of the company’s Insight.

Gallery: European Honda Jazz Hybrid

[Source: Reuters]

Honda prices 2011 Fit Hybrid at $19,310; cheapest gas-electric in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IndyCar: 2010 Indy Japan 300 settles oval championship [SPOILERS]

Filed under: Motorsports, Honda, Racing

2010 Indy Japan 300
2010 Indy Japan 300 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Heading into Saturday, only two races remained in the 2010 Izod IndyCar Series season, and the championship is coming down to the wire. Team Penske’s Will Power raced to an early lead in the standings, his dominating performances on the road and street courses earning him the inaugural Mario Andretti award as the road course champ.

Team Target Chip Ganassi teammates Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon headed to Japan in second and third respectively and first and second in the oval championship standings. Power’s lead before the green flag waved at Twin Ring Motegi was 17 points over Dario, the same lead Franchitti has over Dixon in the race for the A.J. Foyt oval champ award. This weekend’s Indy Japan 300 was crucial, with the potential to end with both championships decided even though the season’s final race at Homestead is still two weeks away.

Follow the jump to see how it played out.

Gallery: IndyCar: 2010 Kentucky Indy 300

[Images: Jonathan Ferrey, Chris Graythen/Jiji Press/AFP/Getty, Shizuo Kambayashi, Greg Baker/AP]

Continue reading IndyCar: 2010 Indy Japan 300 settles oval championship [SPOILERS]

IndyCar: 2010 Indy Japan 300 settles oval championship [SPOILERS] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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